i have a 1994 ford ranger xl regular cab, 2.3 l. 4 cyl inline, manual. Everything is stock on the truck. sure it would probably cost less buying a new truck that is a 4x4 but i want to build this into a 4x4. i just dont know all the parts i would need to build it. SO I NEED HELP.
what kind of lift kit?
i want a bigger engine that would fit but is and automatic and would give me enough power to go wheeling. anything that would help.
will email pics if requested.
thanks for any and all help.
any questions just ask please.

 

In all honesty man switching it to a 4x4/putting in a bigger engine would probably cost more then the truck is worth... Also depending on the gears on the donor 4x4 parts, if your wanting a lift i am guessing you want bigger tires and you would also need to change the gears in the front/rear which inless you really know what your doing you would need a shop to do it which with parts and labor is atleast close to a grand. Then you add the lift, and bigger tires which is another descent amount of $. Now if you did a engine swap (5.0 would be the cheapest and best route which put down roughly 220-230 rwhp in factory form) you would need to upgrade the trans. and depending on how you wheel that little old 7.5" isnt going to hold up for very long if you wheel hard inless built up or swapped out. I would put up a ad on craigslist to trade it for a 4x4 truck, or a ranger 4x4 with the 4.0 v6 (you could probably find one with a lift already). Alot cheaper, and alot less time... to help you understand her is a very rough estimate on pricing on what your wanting to do and this is the cheapest route also if you do all the work yourself...

4x4 parts from another ranger = If you get everything from a junkyard and if it ALL works $300-$400
5.0 and components = $800-$1000 plus for a decently low mileage 5.0
small lift kit with shocks = $400 plus
used 31" mud/all terrains with descent tread = $400 plus
Gears if the donor set dosent have 4.10s your looking at $500-$600 in parts and more on labor which would be highly recommended
total - a easy $2200 plus just in parts not including upgrades on your trans., fluids, new gears, and other odds and ends. Not to mention ALOT of hours, roughly if you have done all this before atleast 40-50 hours.

So its not probably cheaper its ALOT cheaper and time consuming then just buying a 4x4...

 

I agree with the previous poster. You would salvage the body and frame of your present truck and be replacing everything else - engine, transmission, drive train, braking system, a lot of wiring and electrical components - for starters. If you buy all the needed parts used, it is always a crap shoot to know the condition of those parts. If you buy new parts, it will be cost prohibitive. There will be fabricating of some frame parts and the list goes on and on.

Look for a used but factory built 4x4 with the 4.0 engine and you will have a package where all the components are compatible and spend less than your "hand built" 4x4 conversion.

 

a 4x4 conversion is easy all you trade in for a 4x4 model

 

X3.

Look for a PUSHROD motor 4.0 4x4. 2000 model year and earlier. Get a 5 speed if you can find one, as the 5 speed automatics are failure prone.

DO NOT BUY an early SOHC 4.0, they are trouble and unless the seller can show you confirmable receipts showing a recent engine rebuild or at least a recent replacement of all 3 cam chains and tensioner set ups, stay away from them.

 

Get a 2011 before Ford stops making the Ranger. Just bought a 2011 Ranger 4Dr Sport 4X4 and got a $5,000 Rebate.

 

Ok i had a 2wd f150 that i was goin to make 4x4, And trust me just GET A 4X4, because ull need to change the, Axles front AND REAR, tranny, ECU, Electric fuses, Leaf springs, T case, Drive shafts, Springs, and shocks. If you want to build up a nice right get a stock 4x4 ranger or jeep. So then all u need are the lift kits, tires and lockers, the fun stuff

 

hey thanks guy appreciate it!